Through two grant-funded partnerships, the 茄子视频 College of Professional and Continuing Studies is helping adult learners in underserved communities earn certifications and build financial stability.
This spring marks a milestone for communities across Long Island. The initial participants in two grant-funded programs implemented through the 茄子视频 College of Professional and Continuing Studies are nearing completion of their certification courses.
鈥淲e partner with community groups that directly service community members as a way to provide opportunities for upward mobility for folks to get access and entry into careers that offer a livable wage,鈥� says Sandra Castro, PhD, senior associate dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies at 茄子视频.
For the students in these programs, earning a certification is the first step toward a healthcare career and the financial stability that comes with it.
Preparing Hempstead Adults for In-Demand Healthcare Roles
Students practicing phlebotomy techniques through Adelphi’s partnership with Hempstead Schools Adult Education.
When 茄子视频 launched a partnership with and in late 2025, the response from the community was immediate. To identify and enroll students, the program turned to Hempstead Union Free School District鈥檚 Adult and Community Education Program, and demand quickly outpaced expectations. 鈥淲e started with one cohort, and then about six weeks later, another cohort鈥攁nd people are still calling to enroll,鈥� says , director of adult and community education at Hempstead Union Free School District.
Roughly 36 students received a full scholarship and are expected to complete the certification course by June. 鈥淭his scholarship is really impactful,鈥� Gottlieb says. 鈥淒epending on the school, this program could cost $4,000 or more. For someone making minimum wage, that expense can be difficult to meet.鈥�
Many of the enrolled students came through Hempstead鈥檚 adult education program, and the district also hosted the in-person classes. Students pursuing careers in vital healthcare and social service fields were eligible to apply for the fully funded scholarships.
鈥淭here is a pressing need for adults to obtain credentials efficiently, in ways that allow for rapid entry into sustainable careers,鈥� Gottlieb notes. Many adult learners in the Hempstead Adult and Community Education Program are navigating day-to-day financial responsibilities while working demanding jobs, which makes participation in extended programs impractical. In response to these realities, courses have been intentionally structured differently from traditional models, allowing students to complete certification within a condensed time frame of approximately three to four months.
鈥淭he biggest benefit is that students are learning how to invest in themselves and think about their future, and it gives a sense of dignity and opportunity,鈥� Gottlieb says.
Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Women on the Path to Healthcare Careers
Women re-entering the workforce are learning skills to make them workforce-ready via Adelphi’s partnership with New Hour for Women and Children LI.
This May, the first student cohort will graduate from Empowerment Through Employment: 茄子视频 and health careers program. Funded by a grant from , this program benefits formerly incarcerated women through New Hour For Women and Children LI鈥檚 network of community programs and support services. 鈥淭hree out of four are moms, so we recognize that the need for higher education and licensure is really critical to creating a safe stable home and economic stability,鈥� says Serena Martin 鈥�05, founder and executive director of New Hour For Women and Children LI.
The program connects women to Adelphi鈥檚 professional certification courses to prepare New Hour For Women and Children LI members for in-demand healthcare careers such as clinical medical assistants, , , , and more. The grant also provided women with laptops and the software they need to complete their certification. 鈥淎 lot of funders and higher education folks underestimate the cost for returning students who are living paycheck to paycheck,鈥� Martin says.
The courses, which are fully online and asynchronous, were designed to accommodate students鈥� competing priorities. 鈥淢ost women are already working, they鈥檙e already parenting,鈥� Martin says. 鈥淏eing able to do the course on their own time, at their own pace鈥攁fter work or after they put the kids to bed鈥攊s really amazing.鈥�
To ensure success after graduation, Adelphi provides support with r茅sum茅-building assistance, career counseling, interview preparation and job search assistance, individual counseling, and externship placement. Students also receive biweekly check-ins, in-person lunches with Adelphi staff and a dedicated case manager.
Members like Tiara [last name withheld] exemplify the drive and determination of women participating in the program. The clinical medical assistant program certificate she鈥檚 earned is just one credential on the path to becoming a certified medical assistant.
Funding currently covers two cohorts over two years. The next will start in June with another group of women. Interest in the program has been strong since the launch鈥攖here鈥檚 already a waitlist for the next cohort鈥攁nd New Hour For Women and Children LI and Adelphi are actively seeking funding for additional cohorts in the future.
鈥淥ur women are so thirsty to work,鈥� Martin says. 鈥淵ou will not find a more responsible worker than someone who understands what it鈥檚 like to have lost their freedom and is now looking to fight hard and get back on their feet.鈥�